Unified Social Safety Net Initiative Announced

In a bid to streamline social welfare programmes, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmine stated that the government is working to bring all beneficiaries under a single, coordinated framework. She made the announcement on Sunday during a parliamentary session in response to a question.

The session, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, opened with a question-and-answer segment. With Social Welfare Minister Abu Jafar Mohammad Zahid Hossain absent, State Minister Farzana Sharmine addressed members’ queries on behalf of the ministry.

Responding to an additional question from Kushtia-1 MP Reza Ahmed Chowdhury, the minister acknowledged instances of irregularities in the disbursement of allowances under the social safety net. She admitted that some beneficiaries have been asked to pay bribes, describing such acts as corruption. She assured parliament that measures will be taken to enhance transparency in distribution processes.

Farzana Sharmine also elaborated on the government’s “Family Card” initiative, aimed at consolidating welfare benefits under a single household-oriented framework. She emphasised the dual goal of the programme: lifting the country out of its fragile economic situation while ensuring that rightful beneficiaries receive support efficiently.

Addressing a query from Noakhali-2 MP Zainal Abedin Faruk, the minister said that existing beneficiary lists are being thoroughly verified. She noted that historical discrepancies during past regimes will be corrected, and policy revisions will ensure that only eligible citizens are included in the social safety net.

Chittagong-15 MP Shahjahan Chowdhury highlighted past instances of nepotism in beneficiary selection. In response, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to compiling a fair and accurate list of deserving recipients.

Key Measures under Social Safety Net Reforms

Additional Parliamentary Updates

During the session, Minister of Education A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced plans to recruit 9,000 religious teachers nationwide. He noted that qualification verification is a challenge but expressed optimism that recruitment will be completed soon. He clarified that religious education encompasses all faiths, not solely Islamic studies.

Regarding higher education, the minister indicated that the government is committed to enhancing the quality of existing institutions while carefully considering the necessity of establishing new public universities. Currently, Bangladesh has 57 public universities.

On admission policies, Minister Milan remarked that last-minute lottery-based selection introduced by the previous administration was unsatisfactory. The government intends to consult stakeholders to design a more transparent and equitable admission process for the upcoming academic year.

With these steps, the government aims to enhance social protection, reduce corruption, and modernise both welfare and education sectors, reinforcing its commitment to social equity and national development.